Ever felt trapped by the very business you built?

In this powerful episode, Ashlin from The Elk Collective shares why she walked away from her 10 staff salon to build a thriving home based business aligned with her life and purpose.

She opens up about the burnout of running a big team, the pressure to look “successful,” and how coming back to her why transformed her work, family life, and finances. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s another way to do business, this conversation will give you courage.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• Why bigger isn’t always better in business
• How to redefine success on your own terms
• Practical financial tips for salon owners
• The mindset shifts that brought her peace and joy again

👉 Tap play to feel inspired to build a business that works for you.

00:00 Episode Summary

01:41 Welcome to the Inner Sanctum

03:13 Ashlin's Journey: From Home Salon to Elk Collective

05:23 The Challenges of Managing a Growing Team

08:00 Rebranding and Returning Home

11:34 Balancing Business and Family

21:54 Financial Realities and Mental Health

34:00 The Transition to a Home Based Salon

40:30 Creating a Balanced Work Environment

40:50 The Role of Key Team Members

46:50 Delegation and Team Dynamics

49:26 Financial Lessons and Strategies

51:54 Planning for Financial Stability

1:06:32 The Importance of Future Planning

1:08:40 Overcoming Industry Challenges

1:13:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

💛 Ready to Finally Feel Confident with Your Salon Finances?

We created Rising Finances Online for salon owners just like you:

If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by your numbers, this is your moment. Rising Finances Online will guide you step by step to understand your money, pay yourself properly, and plan for the future – without the stress.

✨ It’s designed specifically for salon owners, with easy-to-follow modules that bring clarity, confidence, and real results.

🛍️ Head to RFO to join today and start transforming your finances.

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely

Going solo doesn’t mean going it alone.

In this Mini Moment, Jen is joined by Sherri from Timely to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of solo businesses. From the emotional weight of doing it all, to the turning point most business owners hit at 18 months, they explore the silent struggles and simple shifts that can make solo life feel less… solo.

💬 Inside:

• Why “solo” doesn’t mean unsupported (and what to call it instead)
• The cheer squad exercise that changes everything
• What no one tells you about client data, systems & automation
• Learning fatigue, mindset overload & how to take your power back

Whether you're just starting out or deep in the juggle, this episode will remind you that support is a strategy—and success doesn't have to be lonely.

🎧 Press play for the pep talk every solo business owner needs.

00:00 Introduction to Mini Moments

00:46 The Sole Trader Journey

01:39 Building a Support System

06:52 Financial Realities and Growth

10:26 Learning and Overwhelm

12:58 Importance of Systems and Automation

16:13 Client Data and Communication

17:21 Conclusion and Takeaways

You don’t need to do it alone, Solo babes!

Solo Rise Online is where your confidence strengthens, and your business thrives. With 17 powerful modules, 93 lessons, and nearly 7 hours of expert guidance, you'll have everything you need to grow with confidence.

https://podcast.salonrising.com/solo-rise

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Mini Moment Sponsors - Timely

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

Ever felt knocked flat by burnout, public criticism, or self doubt?

In this raw and honest chat, Kelly Christie, aka The Skin Queen and also owner of The Facial Bar on the Gold Coast, joins Samara and Jen to share the unfiltered truth behind building two successful businesses. From the realities of online hate to the behind the scenes lessons of leadership, resilience, and growth. This episode is packed with wisdom for every beauty business owner.

💬 Inside:

• The hardest lessons of leadership, staff culture, and finding her style
• How public criticism almost broke her (and what helped her rebuild)
• Balancing multiple businesses while protecting her mental health
• The mindset shifts that helped her step into her power
• What she’s doing differently now to create thriving teams and success

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay strong and grow through the toughest seasons of business—this one will light you up.

🎧 Hit play to feel seen, supported, and inspired to rise through it all.

00:00 Episode Disclaimer

02:44 Navigating Client Cancellations

04:52 Guest Introduction: Kelly, the Skin Queen

05:59 Kelly's Journey to Becoming Skin Queen

08:38 Challenges of Running a Salon

12:38 The Importance of Leadership in Business

15:29 Maintaining Team Morale and Culture

24:21 The Emotional Impact of Leadership

36:11 Rebuilding and Finding Flow

40:16 Facing Industry Backlash

41:14 Dealing with Online Criticism

43:29 Mental Health Struggles

44:59 Finding Strength and Purpose

47:02 Rebuilding and Moving Forward

54:14 Business Growth and Future Plans

1:08:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

✨ Timely – Your dream booking system

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.